Oahu Waterfalls
Jackass Ginger Pool
Jackass Ginger Pool is a small 10-foot (3 m) waterfall in the Honolulu neighborhood of Nu'uanu, accessible via the Judd Memorial Trail. It has a swimming hole around eight feet (2.4 m) in depth.
La'ie Falls
La'ie Falls is located near the town of La'ie on the northeastern shore of Oahu. It is accessible via the 7-mile (11.3 km) long (out and back) La'ie Ridge Trail. The waterfall drops 15 feet (4.5 m) into a pool at its base.
Manoa Falls
The Manoa Falls trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Honolulu area, mainly because it is easily accessible from Waikiki, either via car or city bus, and because it is classified as an "easy" hike.
Maunawili Falls
Maunawili Falls is a picturesque 25 foot (7.6 m) waterfall. At the base of the waterfall is a pool. Some hikers refresh themselves here before heading back.
Sacred Falls
The trail to this waterfall used to be popular. However, after a tragic rockslide on Mother's Day 1999 that killed eight people and injured 50 others, the trail was closed indefinitely.
Waimea Falls
This waterfall is located in Waimea Valley on Oahu’s North Shore, within a park that offers a variety of visitor attractions and activities, such as hula and other cultural demonstrations, musical performances, storytelling, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which waterfall hike is easiest on Oahu?
Waimea Falls offers the easiest hike, with a paved path and cultural exhibits along the way.
Can you swim at Oahu waterfalls?
Yes, swimming is allowed at select waterfalls like Waimea Falls and Jackass Ginger Pool, but check for signage and safety conditions.
Is the Sacred Falls Trail open?
No, Sacred Falls Trail is permanently closed due to a fatal rockslide in 1999. The falls can only be seen via helicopter.
Do trails get muddy?
Yes, many trails become slippery after rainfall, especially those in rainforest areas like Manoa or Maunawili. Wear proper footwear.
How many waterfalls are there on Oahu?
There are around a dozen named waterfalls on Oahu, with 5-6 being popular and accessible to the public.